Exporting: selling domestically produced products to buyers in another country. Least complicated and least risky.

Licensing and Franchising: the legal process whereby a licensor allows another firm to use its manufacturing process, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, or other proprietary knowledge. Contract Manufacturing - private-label manufacturing by a foreign company.

Joint Venture: when a domestic firm buys a part of a foreign company or joins with a foreign company to create a new entity.

Direct Investment: active ownership of a foreign company or of overseas manufacturing or marketing facilities.